Flat Wasps

Bethylidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bethylidae: //bɛˈθɪlɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Isobrachium collinum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Goniozus foveolatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pseudisobrachium krombeini by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Isobrachium collinum by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Goniozus foveolatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pseudisobrachium krombeini by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Bethylidae, or flat wasps, are a family of stinging Hymenoptera specializing in parasitism. They exhibit a range of behaviors from being parasitoids to predatory wasps, utilizing a painful sting to incapacitate their prey.

Physical Characteristics

Size ranges from 2-5 mm, rarely exceeding 10 mm. Females of many species are wingless and exhibit an ant-like appearance. Antennae consist of 12-13 segments.

Identification Tips

Look for small wasps, often resembling ants due to winglessness in many species. Notable for their stinging capability, specifically in females.

Habitat

Typically found in diverse environments as parasitoids of coleopteran and lepidopteran larvae, commonly in areas where these hosts are present.

Distribution

Worldwide occurrence with notable presence of approximately 200 species in over 20 genera in specific regions.

Diet

Larvae are parasitoids primarily targeting coleopteran and lepidopteran larvae; adults may feed on nectar or not at all.

Life Cycle

The females sting and paralyze their prey, depositing eggs on or in the paralyzed host to provide a food source for the larvae until maturity.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on or in their paralyzed hosts; offspring develop as parasitoids.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as natural control agents for pest populations due to their parasitoidal behavior.

Health Concerns

Some females possess a painful sting that may pose risks to humans and animals.

Collecting Methods

  • Net collection from flowering plants
  • Hand collection from host sites

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning specimens
  • Alcohol preservation for larvae

Evolution

The oldest known records are from Barremian aged Lebanese amber, indicating a long evolutionary history within the group.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for ants due to their small size and wingless form, leading to underestimation of their wasp characteristics.

Tags

  • Bethylidae
  • wingless
  • parasitoid
  • Hymenoptera
  • Chrysidoidea